Huawei Unveils Target Architecture for Intelligent WAN Networks at HUAWEI CONNECT 2026 in Shanghai
On September 17, during the HUAWEI CONNECT 2026 conference held in Shanghai, an insightful roundtable discussion focused on the 'Intelligent WAN: Strengthening Connectivity Foundations for AI Services'. This event attracted global experts and partners from the Internet service provider (ISP) sector who explored industry trends, solutions, and best practices. Notably, Huawei presented its target architecture for intelligent WAN, aiming to unleash the potential of artificial intelligence and computational power in the era of smart technologies.
Wayne Zhou, Deputy Director of Huawei's ISP Business Unit in Computer and Network Infrastructure, emphasized the accelerating commercialization of artificial intelligence (AI). This surge enables significant asset holders to monetize their capabilities through seamless services. The evolving landscape is transforming ISPs from mere "pipes" to dynamic entities, leveraging edge nodes and unique advantages to integrate connectivity, computational power, and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). This transition highlights a shift from merely selling bandwidth to providing AI-driven services.
In this context, the need for ISPs to build a unified, intelligent, service-oriented WAN network becomes crucial. Such networks will enhance readiness for AI and support continuous development in the field. Ado, General Manager of Huawei’s Wide Area Network Division, elaborated on the architecture of the intelligent WAN. He pointed out that agent-based AI is instigating three significant connectivity shifts: the movement from human-based interactions to agent-driven engagements; a shift in traffic patterns from heavy downlink traffic (provider to device) to massive uplink traffic (device to network); and an expansion of network experience quality assurance from individual applications to the holistic workflows of agents.
To navigate and capitalize on these transformative shifts, ISPs must strengthen their networks. Ado proposed prioritizing three strategic pillars: firstly, the construction of a hierarchical, modular, and standardized converged target architecture (IP + Optical) that allows ISPs to expand their presence, deliver services, and bolster network resilience, thus accelerating AI service deployment; secondly, a focus on comprehensive user experiences that translate network capabilities into definable, measurable, and accessible differentiated services, thereby enabling the monetization of both network capacities and AI; and thirdly, enhancing intelligent capabilities in operations and maintenance. Through tools such as digital network maps, fault localization agents, and AI assistants, ISPs can significantly reduce operational costs (OPEX) while improving operational and maintenance efficiency.
Moreover, Ado laid out a development roadmap for the target WAN networks, which aims to assist ISPs in tapping into new growth opportunities in the AI era. During the roundtable, representatives from Lintasarta Indonesia, SiliconFlow China, and Telconet Ecuador showcased their AI services and shared insights on the implementation of intelligent networks. Invaluable contributions from ISP experts provided practical guidance for planning and deploying networks in this AI-driven landscape.
Looking ahead, Huawei is committed to bolstering its innovations and investments in the areas of ISPs and computational networks. By collaborating closely with customers, Huawei aims to usher in a new intelligent future, reinforcing its role as a leader in shaping the next generation of WAN networks.
Wayne Zhou, Deputy Director of Huawei's ISP Business Unit in Computer and Network Infrastructure, emphasized the accelerating commercialization of artificial intelligence (AI). This surge enables significant asset holders to monetize their capabilities through seamless services. The evolving landscape is transforming ISPs from mere "pipes" to dynamic entities, leveraging edge nodes and unique advantages to integrate connectivity, computational power, and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). This transition highlights a shift from merely selling bandwidth to providing AI-driven services.
In this context, the need for ISPs to build a unified, intelligent, service-oriented WAN network becomes crucial. Such networks will enhance readiness for AI and support continuous development in the field. Ado, General Manager of Huawei’s Wide Area Network Division, elaborated on the architecture of the intelligent WAN. He pointed out that agent-based AI is instigating three significant connectivity shifts: the movement from human-based interactions to agent-driven engagements; a shift in traffic patterns from heavy downlink traffic (provider to device) to massive uplink traffic (device to network); and an expansion of network experience quality assurance from individual applications to the holistic workflows of agents.
To navigate and capitalize on these transformative shifts, ISPs must strengthen their networks. Ado proposed prioritizing three strategic pillars: firstly, the construction of a hierarchical, modular, and standardized converged target architecture (IP + Optical) that allows ISPs to expand their presence, deliver services, and bolster network resilience, thus accelerating AI service deployment; secondly, a focus on comprehensive user experiences that translate network capabilities into definable, measurable, and accessible differentiated services, thereby enabling the monetization of both network capacities and AI; and thirdly, enhancing intelligent capabilities in operations and maintenance. Through tools such as digital network maps, fault localization agents, and AI assistants, ISPs can significantly reduce operational costs (OPEX) while improving operational and maintenance efficiency.
Moreover, Ado laid out a development roadmap for the target WAN networks, which aims to assist ISPs in tapping into new growth opportunities in the AI era. During the roundtable, representatives from Lintasarta Indonesia, SiliconFlow China, and Telconet Ecuador showcased their AI services and shared insights on the implementation of intelligent networks. Invaluable contributions from ISP experts provided practical guidance for planning and deploying networks in this AI-driven landscape.
Looking ahead, Huawei is committed to bolstering its innovations and investments in the areas of ISPs and computational networks. By collaborating closely with customers, Huawei aims to usher in a new intelligent future, reinforcing its role as a leader in shaping the next generation of WAN networks.
Topics Telecommunications）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.